Bad breath, or halitosis, is something most people have experienced at some point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing, brought on by a range of factors, from bad oral hygiene to underlying medical conditions. But did you know that most of what’s in your diet, not necessarily within you, is responsible for fresh or stale breath? There are probably some you know, such as garlic and onions; however, many others that do not seem so obvious can cause bad breath.
The smell that generally comes out from our mouth is mainly due to the bacteria occurring in our diet. If you are frustrated by your mouth smell as well as the probable food items that bring it on, you may consult your nearest dentist or any other dental care provider and make some adjustments to your diet.
We will be talking about five shocking foods that cause bad breath and why. And we are going to give you some tips on how to overcome this and make sure that you breathe fresh air all day.
1. Coffee: The Breath’s Worst Enemy
We begin our day with a hot cup of coffee. However, very few people know that this tasty drink is also one contributing factor to your bad breath. The smell of coffee is indeed alluring, but it tends to dry up the mouth, thus becoming an excellent medium for bacteria causing odor to grow in that medium.
When sweat fails, and your mouth is a little dry, not much saliva is there to clean away all those food bits and bacteria. These could then give rise to a stale, even somewhat unpleasant odor, among others; however, natural compounds of coffee can themselves lead to some acidic by-products, which make matters worse here.
If you can’t live without that morning cup of coffee, drink water with it to keep your mouth moist. Or perhaps, brush your teeth after one cup, or chew sugar-free gum, which stimulates saliva production in the mouth also.
2. Dairy Products: The Sour Breath Syndrome
Dairy foods—from milk and cheese to yogurt—are also rich in so many health-giving elements, but their high protein intake has one significant downside: that disgusting bad breath. That is because bacteria present in the mouth metabolize that protein, with increased production of sulfur compounds causing that characteristic malodorous association with bad breath.
For example, cheese is sticky, sticking on your teeth with the bacteria in it; they are those that bring plaque deposits in your teeth. The longer you stay with the deposits, the faster you will feel bad from unpleasant breath.
This can be done by reducing the impact that dairy has on your breath, such as choosing lower-fat dairy and rinsing your mouth with water immediately after consuming dairy. Brushing after every meal will help get rid of the bacteria that could linger and lead to halitosis.
3. Red Meat: A Hard Nut to Crack for Fresh Breath
Another shocking food causing bad breath is red meat. It is very rich in essential nutrients, including iron and protein. However, if its consumption is not controlled, it may be the biggest offender behind halitosis. When you consume meat, proteins of that food break down in your digestive system and produce sulfur-containing compounds, which can contribute to an unpleasant odor in your mouth.
Additionally, red meat can be difficult to digest, which can lead to indigestion and an increased buildup of bacteria in the mouth. As a result, the odor can linger, making your breath less than pleasant.
If you’re a meat lover, consider incorporating more plant-based protein sources into your diet, like beans, lentils, or tofu. These alternatives can provide the same nutritional benefits without the risk of bad breath.
4. Spicy Foods: Breath Fire
Hot peppers and curries or other spicy dishes cooked with extensive quantities of chili powder will cause bad breath. The stronger the flavors of the foods and spices, the stronger the possibility of oral malodor. Your mouth gives off volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are mainly the main offenders of stinky breath. When there is digestion of sulfur-containing amino acids in the diet by bacteria.
While the spice itself does not last long in the mouth, compounds of sulfur, which are emitted as a consequence, can leave behind a trail of bad breath for hours beyond the meal. Drinking water, chewing gum, or eating fresh parsley often neutralizes odors following the consumption of spicy food.
5. Alcohol: The Dehydration Dilemma
Wine, beer, and liquor—they make life more enjoyable, yes, but even so, at times they significantly contribute to creating bad breath. Like caffeine, alcohol works to dry the mouth by reducing its production of salivary production. This drying out of saliva enables bacteria from the mouth area to multiply, thereby causing foul or offensive smells through compounds produced.
Alcohol also leaves the mouth with an aftertaste and odor since it tastes very pungent and also has byproducts of its digestive process. Acid reflux is also caused by alcohol, which in turn has been linked to poor oral health conditions, including bad breath.
In case you are going out to have a few drinks, it would be very prudent to take them alternately with plenty of water. Or else, you could chew gum or even mouthwash right after drinking for that refreshing breath. What is important is to prevent your mouth from drying since it is then that the bad breath bacteria will start multiplying exponentially.
How to Overcome Bad Breath from These Foods
Now that you know some of the surprising foods that cause bad breath, maybe you would like to know how to keep fresh breath. Here are a few practical tips for you to control bad breath irrespective of what you have eaten:
- Hydrate often: Water can be one of the best fresheners for a mouth and also for breath. Drink water throughout the day, especially after consuming bad-breath-provoking food. Hydration helps rinse out food particles and bacteria and lessen the odor.
- The mouth should feel fresh after brushing and flossing after every meal because these procedures clean the oral cavity. At least once or twice daily, brushing is performed, and the teeth are flossed to dislodge anything that could be lodged in there to cause bad breath.
- Use a Mouthwash: A good mouthwash will neutralize the odor and kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Look for an alcohol-free mouthwash that will promote saliva production and help keep your mouth moist.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Sucking can stimulate saliva in your mouth to naturally wash away bacteria and food bits. Find gum that contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that prevents bacteria from growing inside your mouth.
- Regular visit to your dentist: The regular check-up at your dentist in Adelaide will do a great deal to ward off bad breath. The dentist may discover a hidden oral health condition that contributes to the bad breath, which includes gum disease and cavities; hence, by visiting regularly, there is an increased chance of catching and treating them before causing further complications.
If your bad breath continues even after adjusting your diet and maintaining good oral hygiene, then it’s probably time to seek the help of a dental professional. An experienced team at Walsh Dental can help identify the root cause of your bad breath if it is related to diet, dental hygiene, or an underlying medical condition.
The team at Walsh Dental dedicates themselves to the best dental treatment in Burnside. From bad breath to routine dental cleaning, our services can help improve oral health and gain back lost confidence.
If you are concerned about your breath or other issues that may concern your dental care, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help!
Fresh breath also comes very much as a result of diet. With a few thoughtful changes to your diet, you will easily be able to ensure that your mouth is smelling its best. And if you are suffering from bad breath, don’t just start reaching for those over-the-counter products first, but do talk to a dentist in Burnside first and then find out what the cause of this problem might be.
Let Walsh Dental know the solution, a need that fits your particular need. Be it making sure you get your diet habits corrected or rejuvenating your mouth with an intense cleaning at the dentist’s clinic, we are here to help you achieve proper oral health. Do not let bad breath become a chronic condition; call Walsh Dental today to arrange your appointment consultation. Let’s relish and continue having that beautiful smile!